Describe what you do?My job is kind of hard to describe, because I wear many hats. The most significant part of my role is overseeing the employee resource groups (ERGs), my role is to motivate employees and getting involved in our companywide diversity and inclusion initiatives.

My favorite part of my job is learning about new cultures, using creative ideas to celebrate and embrace differences. Every day is an adventure in this role, because I am surrounded with talented individuals with a passion to make a difference. I want to help my organization leverage the unique qualities that employees bring to their roles and the company. My goal is to contribute to my company’s success by promoting inclusion and educating individuals of its benefits. The Office of Inclusion (my department) aligns itself with the company’s strategy, values and goals.

Was there a particular life event that made you choose your career?Actually, this career chose me. I had no experience or background in the diversity & inclusion field, but my passion for equality, education, organization, making a difference and helping others, must have surfaced during the interview.

For the first time in my life I can honestly say “I love my job”, I don’t know how many people get to say this in their life time. My job, allows me to utilize my creative skills, continuously learn, and it allows me to add value to the organization. I work hard to educate and promote the importance of inclusion.

Tell us about your first job ever. What did you learn from it?I’ve been working since the age of 14 I started my first job as a camp counselor for a summer program. I love to work. I love being self-sufficient and earning my own money (so I can support my love for shoes and clothes). I learned long ago, that every job (big or small) has a lesson. So, whenever I moved to the next level or another job I never lost the lesson from the previous role. I encourage anyone reading this to try new things, ask lots of questions, and seek skills within yourself that you haven’t tapped into. I seek change and don’t shy away from any challenges.

What advice do you have for someone interested in your field?In the diversity and inclusion field you must have patience, creativity, be a fast learner and stay current with trends.

Some lessons are:

Open your mind (easier said than done)

Walk the Talk

Spend some time learning your own bias

See people beyond their visual difference

Seek to learn and listen, before you teach and speak

Open your mind when learning about new cultures, other traditions, foods

Sometimes you have to be the voice for something/someone that you may not completely understand

Be yourself, be honest, be approachable, be trustworthy…people need to feel safe with you.

Do you have a mentor? How did you find them?I have several individuals that I consider mentors, but only two official mentors. I seek individuals with strengths in areas where I struggle. I recruit them because they have certain characteristics that I can in turn learn and mimic. For instance my mentors are great public speakers; I hope to become as good as they are someday.

Name one of your favorite cultural activities (How you stay in touch with Latino culture).
It’s hard to just name one of my favorite cultural activities, because there are so many to pick from.

Family celebration have become a new adventure to me because my husband (who is not Latino), is invigorated by the culture, the traditions and the food (he loves the food). So I have a new found love for family gatherings, it becomes a Q&A session of Why, What, Who, How… his genuine curiosity forces me to find the truest answer to help him learn the Latino way.

Contributors

Julio Sáenz was born in Rochester and grew up on Roth Street on the city's Northeast side.
He was editor and publisher of OC Excélsior, the nation's 24th largest Hispanic newspaper based in Orange County, Calif.

Sáenz is the founder of ConXion, a publication started in 2003 to serve the Hispanic community of Rochester. Julio was named to the prestigious "20 under 40" list of the nation's outstanding newspaper industry leaders by Presstime Magazine in 2006. He is active in several professional and community service organizations, including the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

Lisa (Martinez) DeVinney grew up in southern California and Northern Virginia. Having received a bachelor of arts in communications in 1991 from Biola University, she is now pursuing a master of science in strategic leadership degree at Roberts Wesleyan College. Prior to moving to Rochester in 1998, she worked in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the national headquarters of the American Red Cross. Lisa currently serves as the enrollment coordinator for adult programs at Roberts Wesleyan. Her interests focus on higher education, faith, family, Hispanic and women’s issues.

Janice "Jai" Correa was born in Brooklyn and moved to Rochester during her high school years. A self-proclaimed beauty junkie and "bargain-ista," Jai loves to find ways to stay on budget without compromising on beauty. She was inspired by her love of beauty and fashion to create Mami's Time Out, a fashion and beauty blog aimed at Latinas in 2008. With all the things we juggle during the day, who doesn't need a time out?

Julio Jordan is originally from the south Bronx and relocated to Rochester in the mid 1990s. He is currently working with several community agencies and commits to volunteering on a regular basis. He is an avid writer and will discuss topics that cover a wide range of subjects, including finances, music and social issues, just to name a few. He hopes to inspire, motivate, teach and learn on this journey and welcomes you aboard. Enjoy the ride and ask yourself, what will you do today to make tomorrow a better day than yesterday?

Mildred Vazquez Mildred Vazquez has lived and worked in the Rochester area most of her life. Her family moved from Puerto Rico to Rochester when she was very young. Mildred earned her bachelor of science in social work SUNY Brockport. She worked for a number of non-profit agencies and later on, became executive director of Puerto Rican Youth Development. She is now a real estate agent with a well-recognized broker and leader in the area, the RE/MAX Realty Group.

Kelly T. Mullaney Born in Venezuela, Kelly T. Mullaney fell in love with Rochester when she first visited as a high school exchange student, and has been calling it home since 1994. Kelly is the owner of Working Art Media. She is a web designer and producer, social media advocate, enthusiastic photographer and avid networker. Kelly currently serves on the board of directors of the Rochester Hispanic Business Association and she is the Web and Social Media Manager for the RHBA and Latinas Unidas. An alumna of the United Way's LLDP alumna, she volunteers for several non-profit organizations.